When does Hallmark Countdown to Christmas 2026 start?
Last checked: June 2026 · Updated the moment Hallmark confirms the date.
When does it start?
MID-OCTOBER
Date not announced yet. It reliably launches mid-to-late October — recent years began around Oct 17–20.
Lineup usually revealed Aug–SeptCounting down to the countdown? Hallmark hasn't dropped the official 2026 date yet — but the pattern is dependable, and there's a holiday fix happening right now to tide you over. Here's the full picture.
The short answer
Hallmark hasn't officially announced the 2026 Countdown to Christmas start date, but it reliably launches in mid-to-late October and runs every weekend through December — recent years kicked off around October 17–20. The full lineup is usually revealed in late summer (August or September). And if you can't wait that long: Christmas in July is airing June 26–July 31 right now.
Catch up on past seasons
Hallmark Countdown to Christmas movie collections on Amazon.
Shop Hallmark movie collections on Amazon →
Shop holiday mugs & cocoa on Amazon →
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The 2026 Hallmark holiday calendar
| Event | When (2026) | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas in July | June 26 – July 31 | Mid-year holiday movies — a new original premieres every Saturday in July |
| Countdown lineup revealed | Aug–Sept (expected) | Hallmark announces the full slate of new holiday movies |
| Countdown to Christmas begins | Mid-to-late October | The main event kicks off — recent years started ~Oct 17–20 |
| New premieres every weekend | Oct – December | Dozens of new original movies, Fri/Sat/Sun nights |
2026 start date not yet official — we'll lock it in here as soon as Hallmark announces.
Christmas in July is on right now
Can't wait until fall? Hallmark's Christmas in July runs June 26 through July 31, 2026, with a brand-new original Christmas movie premiering every Saturday in July alongside a schedule of returning favorites. It's a separate event that actually predates the fall Countdown — a perfect way to get the cozy fix early.
Where to watch
New movies premiere on the Hallmark Channel — available through most cable providers and live-TV streaming services like Philo, Sling, DirecTV Stream, and Fubo. Hallmark+, the network's standalone streaming app, often gives subscribers next-day or early access to new premieres.
Countdown to Christmas FAQ
When does it start in 2026?
Not officially announced yet, but it reliably launches mid-to-late October (recent years ~Oct 17–20) and runs weekend premieres through December. Lineup usually revealed Aug–Sept.
What's Christmas in July?
Hallmark's mid-year holiday event — June 26 to July 31, 2026 — with a new original Christmas movie every Saturday in July.
Where can I watch?
Hallmark Channel (via cable or live-TV streamers like Philo, Sling, DirecTV Stream, Fubo), plus the Hallmark+ app for next-day or early access.
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